Canine

Let’s face it, canine diabetes is on the rise. However, many people are totally ignorant of the symptoms of diabetes in dogs. In this case, ignorance is not bliss, though. Diabetes in canines can result in blindness, infections, and if left untreated, in death.

Anyone who has a canine in their life needs to know these seven symptoms that are common to dogs with diabetes.

1. Drinking More Water Than Usual

This should always be a red flag for pet owners. If your pet is suddenly very thirsty, and continues to be for several days, this could be due to high blood sugar levels. Her body will be demanding more water in an attempt to flush some of the glucose out of her system.

Sometimes the amount of water she’s drinking increases so gradually, you may not even be aware of it until another symptom, frequent urination, shows up.

2. Frequent Urination

This goes along with drinking a lot of water. Even if you don’t notice your pet’s increased water consumption, it’s hard to miss it if she’s asking to go outside more often, or if she’s having accidents in the house because she can’t “hold it.”

3. She’s Lethargic And Tired

Your formerly energetic companion suddenly seems to have lost interest in life. All she wants to do is lay around. You may notice that she’s weak, and tired all the time. She just doesn’t seem to be herself.

4. Weight Gain Or Loss

Any pet that suddenly gains or loses weight for no reason needs to see the vet, especially if she’s ravenously hungry, but isn’t putting on any weight, or is even losing it. This can be a symptom of any number of health problems, but canine diabetes is often the reason.

5. Her Breath Is Sweet

Instead of the usual “dog breath,” your pup’s breath has a sweet smell to it. This is a definite sign of high blood sugar levels. Take your pet to the vet right away.

6. Shaking Or Shivering

This is a symptom of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This is very serious condition that needs immediate treatment.

7. Persistent Infections

If your pup is suffering from repeated urinary tract infections, gum infections, or fungal infections, it could because due to diabetes. One of the symptoms of diabetes in dogs is a decreased resistance to infections.

Your Pet May Not Show Any Symptoms At All

Sometimes dogs with diabetes don’t show any of these symptoms because the disease changes their bodily functions so slowly. For this reason, this disease is often known as a silent killer.

Can you prevent diabetes in canines? The answer is yes. Here are some suggestions:

*Keep your dog’s weight under control.
*Feed her a high quality canned food that’s low in fat and carbohydrates and high in fiber.
*Have her spayed, as high estrogen levels can sometimes interfere with insulin production.
*Regular exercise will keep her in shape, and it’s also helpful in keeping her blood sugar levels normal.

Some pet owners are curious about natural remedies for dogs. Research has shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements are very helpful in keeping the amount of glucose in the blood at normal levels. However, once canine diabetes has developed, your pet will need to be on insulin for the rest of her life. With this disease, prevention is definitely the best cure.

Don’t be paralyzed by ignorance. Protect your pet by knowing the symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

Darlene Norris has combined her experience working at a vet clinic with her long-time interest in natural healing to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Diabetes Control. Learn how you can use natural remedies for dogs to prevent canine diabetes by visiting http://NaturalPetDiabetesControl.com

Your pet has just been diagnosed with canine diabetes. Regulating your pet’s blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes in dogs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Blood Sugar Levels, And Why Are They Important?

The carbohydrates in the food your pet eats are broken down into glucose during the digestive process. Glucose is what your pet’s body uses for energy, and it’s sent to all parts of her body via the bloodstream. It’s normal for blood glucose levels to rise after your pet eats.

This is when insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is released, to keep blood sugar levels from getting too high. Normally your pet’s body will regulate the balance between blood glucose levels and insulin levels on its own.

Blood sugar levels are measured in millegrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The normal range for a canine is between 75 and 120 mg/dL. It’s normal for blood glucose levels to rise after a meal, but they should come back down quickly. If the blood glucose levels remain above 180, the body will attempt to get rid of the extra glucose by excreting it in the urine. This is called a “sugar spill.”

Elevated blood sugar levels over a period of time will damage your pet’s organ systems, including her eyes and her kidneys. Diabetic ketoacidosis can result, which is a life-threatening crisis.

It’s important that your pet’s blood sugar levels don’t get too low, either. Blood glucose levels around 80 are considered low. If they fall to 60 or below, your pet can start having seizures and die very quickly.

How Do You Monitor Blood Sugar Levels In Dogs With Diabetes?

You can use a urine strip to check the amount of sugar present in your pet’s urine. Or you can use a blood glucose meter to measure blood glucose levels. Your vet will let you know which is best for your pet.

Feeding And Insulin

You’ll need to get into a routine of feeding your pet twice a day, usually every twelve hours. Your vet will probably recommend a low-fat, high-fiber food.

Insulin shots are usually given at mealtimes. It’s best to wait until after your pet has eaten to give her the shot. If you give it before the meal, and then she doesn’t feel like eating, her blood sugar levels will drop to dangerously low levels. In this case, you’ll need to get your pet to the vet immediately.

Insulin is stored in the refrigerator. Take the time to warm the vial in your hand before injecting the insulin. It will be painful for your pet if you give it to her cold.

Regulating Diabetes In Dogs Takes Time

It can take several months to get the balance between food and insulin right for your pet. The ideal is to keep her blood sugar at normal levels all the time. In real life, her blood sugar may get a little higher or a little lower during the day. The key is to prevent extreme highs and lows.

Can I Ever Stop Giving My Diabetic Canine Insulin Shots?

No, you’ll need to give her insulin for the rest of her life. There is no cure for this disease right now.

How To Prevent Canine Diabetes

Prevention is the best cure. Overweight pets are at high risk for developing this disease, so put your obese pet on a diet. Regular exercise will help burn those extra calories, and is a great way to naturally control blood sugar levels.

Many pet owners also use natural remedies for dogs to keep blood sugar levels under control. Research has shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements are effective for regulating blood glucose levels in pets.

Protect your pet from becoming a canine diabetic by learning more about natural remedies for dogs today.

Darlene Norris has combined her experience working at a vet clinic with her long-time interest in natural healing to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Diabetes Control. Learn how you can use natural remedies for dogs to prevent canine diabetes by visiting http://NaturalPetDiabetesControl.comto learn about a dog training course that will work wonders!

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